Are Marseille Trying To Do Another Payet On West Ham?

According to numerous news outlets West Ham United have been offered the chance to take Dutch midfielder Kevin Strootman on loan from Marseille next season, OK so the headline question might appear rhetorical because initially only a loan deal is mentioned, however it is not beyond imagination to suggest the french club want to put Strootman in the shop window and to replicate the high profile that Dimitri Payet was accorded while playing for the Irons.

Strootman signed for Marseille from Roma for £23 Million last summer and has been a mainstay in central midfield throughout the season, but profligate spending allied to FFP and a very poor showing in Ligue 1 this season means that Les Olympiens have to make drastic cost cuts ahead of next season.

Marseille, similarly to Manchester United have failed to qualify for the Champions league which has serious ramifications for the club and has also helped disillusion their new owners, ironically 29 year old Strootman, who has been offered to Manchester United and Everton as well, was linked with a move to the red devils when both David Moyes and Louis Van Gaal were in charge at Old Trafford.

At 29 years of age, Strootman hardly fits the Pellegrini and Husillos template of young players with sell on value, however his wages of around £80,000 per week are just about affordable as long as Marseille don't demand a loan fee as well, should he arrive at the London Stadium it would surely herald the departure of Pedro Obiang or Angelo Ogbonna, both of whom are sought after in Italy and Spain.

Releasing players for decent money and bringing in a couple of quality loans may well be the way forward, especially in what will be another transition season, but if they get their sums right the Hammers hierarchy might just get to square the circle by accumulating enough funds to have a real splurge for the 20-21 season. - Ed